My Three Kingdoms is not right

Chapter 107 Straightforward

Sun Quan quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Sun Quan greets Your Highness."

Liu Xun had already received Sun Ce's letter, so he wasn't surprised. Instead, he smiled and helped her up, saying, "Zhongmou, you must be tired from your journey. Come in and sit down, and we can talk slowly."

"It's been so long since I've seen my second sister!" Sun Shangxiang excitedly ran over and grabbed Sun Quan's hand.

Sun Quan reluctantly pulled his hand away, saying, "Shangxiang, you must be mindful of etiquette in His Highness's presence!"

"oh."

Sun Shangxiang had always been somewhat intimidated by her second older sister. Seeing her stern face, she secretly stuck out her tongue.

Liu Xun smiled and led them into the house: "Zhongmou, there's no need for that. We're family, so please make yourselves at home."

"Your Highness is magnanimous, but propriety must not be disregarded," Sun Quan replied, lowering his eyes.

She looked up and carefully examined Liu Xun.

Compared to when we first met more than a year ago outside Shouchun City, this prince seemed even more handsome and extraordinary, so handsome that it was almost impossible to look away.

But the straw sandal in her hand was only half-finished...

Sun Quan sighed softly to himself.

It is truly improper for a princess to spend her days among these straw ropes and bamboo strips.

But of course, she wouldn't say these words out loud.

"Zhongmou has arrived?" Liu Xun handed the straw sandals to the servant beside him, smiling as he stepped forward. "Was the journey smooth?"

"Thanks to Your Highness's good fortune, may you have a safe journey." Sun Quan bowed again.

Seeing her reserved demeanor, Liu Xun didn't bother to persuade her further: "I've already read Bo Fu's letter. The court attaches great importance to this tribute mission, so there shouldn't be any problem with getting a promotion."

"Excellent." A hint of joy flashed in Sun Quan's eyes.

Liu Xun took a sip of tea and asked, "Bo Fu didn't say much in his letter. What is the current situation in Jiangdong?"

The imperial court was certainly aware of the situation in Jiangdong, but it was mostly just superficial briefings. He wanted to hear Sun Quan elaborate.

Given the relationship between the two families, Sun Quan would naturally not hold back:

"Ever since my elder sister broke with the usurper Yuan Shu, the usurper has been extremely resentful. Although he is busy dealing with the pressure from Lü Bu and the court and is unable to launch a large-scale southern expedition, he has still caused us a lot of trouble."

"She instigated Zulang and contacted the Yue tribes to rebel, which led to my sister being in danger several times."

"They also colluded with local powerful figures such as Chen Yu and Yan Baihu to cause trouble, attempting to attack us from both inside and outside."

Liu Xun nodded and sighed, "Bo Fu is truly a genius! No wonder he's called the 'Little Overlord'!"

When I used to play games, I thought Sun Ce rebelling against Yuan Shu was just a matter of changing his flag and becoming independent.

Only after experiencing this history firsthand can one truly understand how dangerous it was.

If Sun Ce had made a wrong decision or been even slightly weaker in combat, he would probably have been overthrown by the turbulent situation.

Sun Quan, hearing Liu Xun praise his elder sister, couldn't help but show a hint of pride. But this was quickly followed by a trace of worry:

"Although my elder sister conquered the three prefectures of Kuaiji, Wu, and Danyang in a short period of time and suppressed rebellions in various places, she also offended too many local powerful families and even formed blood feuds with aristocratic families such as the Lu family. She also executed some so-called 'famous scholars'."

"Winning over the hearts of the people of Jiangdong will likely be a long road ahead."

Liu Xun looked at the girl in front of him with newfound respect.

At such a young age, he can see through complex situations clearly and notice the hidden dangers beneath the surface.

No wonder there's a saying, "One should have a son like Sun Quan."

Therefore, Sun Quan was on an important mission when he went to the capital this time.

Sun Ce's current official position is "Cavalry Commandant, inheriting the title of Marquis of Wucheng, and concurrently serving as the Governor of Kuaiji".

It is clearly illegitimate and improper for a prefect of one commandery to govern the lands of three commanderies.

Although Jiangdong is remote, the Han dynasty's centuries-old foundation has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts. If Sun Ce can receive the imperial appointment this time, he will gain legitimacy to rule and stabilize people's hearts.

And winning hearts and minds is exactly what the rapidly rising Sun family needs most.

This was precisely the opportunity for Liu Xun to offer timely assistance.

"Bo Fu and I are sworn brothers. You can rest assured that I will take care of the official position."

Sun Quan was surprised by his decisiveness and was somewhat moved.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Sun Quan bowed solemnly. "However, a problem has arisen that may lead to unforeseen complications."

"What is it?"

"After being defeated by my elder sister, Xu Gong, the governor of Wu Commandery, plotted revenge. She secretly collected 'evidence' of her elder sister's crimes, intending to report it to the Minister of Works' office and prevent her sister from being granted an official title."

"After receiving the news, I tracked down her messenger, but... I was a step too late and failed to intercept him."

Sun Quan looked ashamed as he said this: "Your Highness, could you please help me find out who got hold of that secret letter? Is there any chance to make amends?"

Liu Xun asked curiously, "What crime is she going to accuse Bo Fu of?"

Sun Quan replied, "The claims that he is hoarding troops and plotting rebellion are all baseless fabrications."

Liu Xun chuckled to himself.

Xu Gong wasn't just making things up.

Don't you yourselves know whether the Sun family has "amassed military power and plotted rebellion"?

"Don't worry." He just smiled. "Zhongmou has come from afar, so please rest well here first. I'll cook for you myself later to welcome you back."

Sun Shangxiang was overjoyed upon hearing this: "That's wonderful! Second sister, you're in for a treat! His Highness's cooking is unparalleled in Xudu!"

Sun Quan, however, was not as naive as his sister.

The princess even cooks herself.

Moreover, it is famous in Xudu.

A boy is a boy.

Even someone of noble birth can only win people's hearts in this way...

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. Sun Quan is deeply grateful." She lowered her eyes, her tone polite yet distant. "However, the secret letter from Xu Gong is of great importance. Could Your Highness perhaps consider a solution first…?"

Liu Xun shook his head as he looked at her restless appearance.

No matter how shrewd she is, Sun Quan is still just a naive young girl.

"Alright, let's settle this matter first." He stood up. "Shangxiang, prepare the horses. Zhongmou, come with me."

Sun Quan followed Liu Xun out of the Wannian Villa, his mind in turmoil the whole way.

Xu Gong's secret letter must have already reached Xudu.

However, this was the capital, and the Sikong Mansion was no small county government office. From the time this letter was submitted to Cao Cao's receipt, it was unknown how many checkpoints it had passed through.

My current hope is that it will be intercepted before it reaches Cao Cao.

Hopefully, this princess has enough energy.

Otherwise, the eldest sister would not only not receive an official promotion, but might also be reprimanded or even punished by the court.

The already unstable situation in Jiangdong may become even more dangerous.

After traveling an unknown distance, Liu Xun reined in his horse and stopped. Sun Quan put aside his worries, looked up, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

Above the magnificent mansion in front of them, a plaque bearing the inscription "Sikong Mansion" hangs prominently.

What does this mean?

If Sun Quan hadn't still had some sense, he would have wanted to turn his horse around and flee.

Two rows of armored soldiers stood below the steps, their armor gleaming, holding long halberds, their eyes piercing.

"Your Highness," Sun Quan lowered his voice, "coming directly to the Minister of Works' residence... isn't that... inappropriate?"

Liu Xun turned his head and glanced at her.

"Wasn't Xu Gong's secret letter meant for Cao Sikong?"

Sun Quan: "...Yes."

"If not here, where to go?"

Sun Quan: "..."

That makes so much sense; I was speechless.

Before she could figure it out, Liu Xun had already strode up the steps.